CALVIN COMMENTARY. Featured In This Issue SEPTEMBER 2015 EXPANDED FALL EDITION

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1 CALVIN COMMENTARY JOHN CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 4201 TRANSCONTINENTAL DRIVE METAIRIE, LA SEPTEMBER 2015 EXPANDED FALL EDITION Featured In This Issue The Study Window Music Notes New Members Committee News Sunday School Birthdays Tablecloth Event Playschool News

2 From the Study Window Jeffery Jones in an Alban Institute article suggests that we need to start asking new questions. He suggests that the church today needs to have a rummage sale so we can get rid of practices and ways of being that are no longer effective and move toward being the church we are called to be. He suggests that many of the questions the church has asked for centuries need to be put in that rummage sale. They need to be replaced with new outside the box questions that lead us into new ways of being and doing church ways that are attuned to the time in which we live. It s not that the old questions weren t valid at one time or that they are totally inappropriate for today s church. Rather, the new questions, if they are the questions that form our approach to ministry will lead us to new insights and new learning. One question that has been asked consistently through the years and even more so in these days of declining church membership is: how do we draw them in? Perhaps it would be better to ask: how do we send them out? The focus needs to be on equipping people for mission and sending them out to do Christ s work in the world not on bringing them in that they might support the institution. In these days of changing roles and responsibilities many wonder what should the staff be doing, what is the most effective way to deploy church staff? But a more important question may well be: what is our shared ministry? What kind of help and healing do the people around us need? What are the best ways to live out the healing and helping of the gospel in our neighborhood? When a congregation focuses on strategic planning, leaders usually ask what is our vision and how do we implement it? What would happen if we instead asked: what is God up to and how do we get on board with what God is doing? Do we need to do less programmatic goal setting and more discerning of where God is leading? When a congregation has a financial struggle, the questions usually asked are: how do we get more money and how do we survive if we don t? Perhaps a better question is: how do we more effectively serve the people around us? Mission needs to drive the budget; it needs to create the excitement that motivates people to give. When congregations think about their mission they ask: how do we effectively proclaim the gospel for the salvation of human kind? A better question might be: how do we make the reign of God more real in this time and place? Our mission is not simply to draw people into worship, our mission is to help people connect with God and that may well happen outside worship. There are no per say right or wrong answers to the new questions we need to be asking. We simply need to live with them because it is in living with them that we will find the answers and those answers may well lead us to places that at present we don t expect to be. In Christ s Service Rev. Harry Brown

3 MUSIC NOTES By: William R. Memmott Our final "special" for the summer is now history. I note that your choices for Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing Sunday included fifteen hymns that are no longer in our modern hymnals. What wonderful selections! I really had to dig to find "Count Your Blessings!" Now the choir relaxes for a month. The resumption of choir rehearsals is Wednesday, September 2 at 7:15 p.m. Come one, come all! And what a busy season we face. Of course, we share in the Gathering of Choirs at St. Clement of Rome in October. Then we gather with guests and members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in the premiere performance at the University of New Orleans of my new oratorio: "For Such a Time as This." This is in fulfillment of requirements for a masters degree in composition. It tells the story of Queen Esther and her battle to save the Jewish nation from annihilation. Some day in November TBA. Then we present our annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 13. This will be a collection of works for Christmas called, "A New Generation Sings Christmas." New music from recent years is quickly becoming familiar, such as "Mary, Did You Know," "A Stable Lamp Is Lighted," "Hallelujah" ("I've heard about this baby boy"), "The Little Drummer Boy," "Gloria" by Poulenc, and many others. Again we will be joined by a professional orchestra. Like a second Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing, we gather on Christmas Eve for the familiar carols of the season. A look ahead to our Easter Concert. On Palm Sunday (with orchestra) we will sing a seldom heard oratorio (except for the opening chorus) by Felix Mendelssohn, "Christus." We light the candles for new singers to add to our "band." And you don't have to be a professional singer. Our In-House Orchestra can also use new players. Soli Deo Gloria A Wonderful Choir The message of a choir singing out In joyful worship and praise, Is a glorious anchor for our souls In the stormy, turbulent days. God s precious truths shared in song Reach deep within the soul, Stirring the heart to follow Christ More closely in the fold. Thank God for A Wonderful Choir That lifts its voice in praise, Singing the message that keeps us strong Through all life s stormy days. ~Connie Campbell Bratcher Faith Message

4 LOOK WHO S JOINED OUR JCPC FAMILY! Joshua Bush has been at JCPC his entire life and was baptized in May He is now 13 years old and is currently in the 7 th th grade at Atonement Lutheran School in Metairie. Josh enjoys hanging out with his friends, playing baseball, basketball and video games. He is is looking forward to the LSU football games. One of his favorite things to do is to spend time with his ENTIRE family, especially his Grandpa! Josh has just completed the confirmation classes. Ed Magri, Joshua Bush and Robin Bush Ethan Etland has attended our JCPC playschool and now attends Ecole Classique where he just started 4 th grade. He will be turning 10 years old this month. Ethan was baptized on Sunday, August 30 th and completed the confirmation class. Julie Etland joined JCPC on Sunday, August 30 th by reaffirmation of faith. She has recently retired as a federal agent after 30 years of service. Julie currently owns a consulting company that identifies Medicare fraud. Brian, Ethan and Julie Etland

5 PROGRAM OF HOPE VOLUNTEERS Thanks to all who volunteered to make sandwiches, and to those who served at First Presbyterian during the weeks in July. Our volunteers received high praise for the delicious sandwiches and generous lunches. Also, those who served at First Presbyterian received high marks for their friendly and spirited service. Like a 100 watt bulb, remarked one gentleman.we look forward to the weeks in December when we are scheduled again. Importantly, thanks to ALL for your ongoing donations of seasonal clothing and toiletries! Our volunteers: Barbara McHan, Margaret Corcoran, Marilyn Brown, Lorraine Hicks (sons Josh & Henry), Barbara Taylor, Bob Wooderson, George McLean, Neel Wiederspahn, Gus Mullins, Sue Crawford, Marylou & Walter Janoe, Sharon Fortin, Carolyn Calvin, Linda Lowry, James Brown and Richard Britson. 2 nd HARVEST FOOD BANK UPCOMING ACTIVITY Fun ahead! John Calvin will be sorting food at the Food Bank s Warehouse in Elmwood (700 Edwards Avenue) from 8:00am-11:00am on Saturday, September 19. We need 15 volunteers (invite friends)! For more information, please contact Richard Britson or Sharon Fortin.

6 Sunday School resumes on Sunday, September 13 9:15 am. We have classes for ALL ages. Join us as we study scripture and grow in our faith! Our Faithful Sunday School Teachers Reverend Harry Brown Laurell Brown Robin Bush Amy Cardinale Karon Cooper Valerie Corcoran Sue Crawford Helen Fish Sharon Fortin Greg Freudenthal Buddy Haw Julie Hebert Tony Hill Linda Lowry Don Melchert Kit Melchert Ardis Moore Jeremy Moore Maureen Nelson Jon O Regan Cynthia Palmisano Laurie Robinson Debbie Russo Karla Russo Barbara Taylor Ginny Thomas Judy Tracy Wayne Tracy Sheryl Wise Kelly Zea * If you would like to volunteer to teach a class, please contact Laurie Robinson. For Children Ages We are offering 3 classes (pre-school elementary t weens). This year s curriculum is Deep Blue Kids, where they will dive deeper into the bible. There will be 2 Adult Classes offered A Traditional Bible Study and a Contemporary Bible Study. A quick glimpse of the Contemporary Bible Study led by Rev, Harry Brown.The young adult class will be using the Feasting on the Word Curriculum. This material follows the lectionary and will help us look at the biblical stories in creative ways. It will challenge us to put our faith into action and grow in our self understanding as Christians. It will help to prepare us for worship and service. This unique curriculum will help us to join informal discussions about our beliefs and values as we explore Christ s claim on our lives. Through informal study we will engage in conversation that will make connections between our faith and our actions, while examining the implications of God s call in our lives. Join us after the morning worship service on Sunday, September 13 th for a cook-out of hamburgers & hot dogs. There will be a water-slide, so bring your bathing suit and towel.

7 2 CAROLYN CALVIN 2 MIKE FORTIN 3 JOHN LAPORTE III 3 CALEB HEBERT 5 MARY JANE JOLY 7 NATHAN CARDINALE 7 CATHY FRANK 11 JEAN ROGERS 13 RAJU THOMAS 14 PAULA PALERMO 15 CHARLES ASHURST 15 SANDY CRANFILL 20 LAURIE ROBINSON 22 JAMES BROWN 22 RYAN ISHAM 24 PAULINE MULLINS 27 KATE SCHWING 28 MARY ASHER 28 ETHAN ETLAND SEPTEMBER SYNOPSIS 9-2 CHOIR PRACTICE 7:15pm 9-6 LAST DAY OF CASUAL SUNDAY S 9-7 OFFICE CLOSED LABOR DAY HOLILDAY 9-8 PW LYDIA 7:00pm 9-9 PLAYSCHOOL BEGINS 9-10 TABLECLOTH 6:30pm 9-13 SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS 9-13 TEACHER DEDICATION 9-13 COOK-OUT WITH WATERSLIDE AFTER MORNING WORSHIP 9-14 C.E. COMITTEE 6:30pn 9-15 RESOURCE 7:00pm 9-19 SECOND HARVET WORK 8:00am 9-20 ELECTION OF ELDERS AFTER MORNING WORSHIP 9-21 SESSION 7:00pm 9-22 PW GRACE 7:00pm 9-25 PLAYSCHOOL FAMILY 5:00pm 9-28 PLAYSCHOOL CHARLESTON WRAP FUNDRAISER BEGINS

8 CIRCLE GROUP SCHEDULE LYDIA CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, September 8 7:00pm in the Church Library. GRACE CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, September 22 9:30am in the Church Library. Study booklets are available and may be purchased at the meeting. ALL WOMEN ARE WELCOME! LOOKING AHEAD TO OCTOBER As the fall season progresses and the busyness of our schedules increase, the happenings at JCPC is where you want to be to refuel the mind and soul! In addition to the September events, we will begin our Wednesday Night Live series starting Wednesday, October 14 th at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will focus on The Great Ends of the Church. As we examine the six statements that provide guidance for the church as faithful expressions of the gospel and what God calls the church to do and be. A light meal will be served at 6:00pm followed by a thirty-minute Bible Study. Rev. Harry promises to be done by 7:00pm sharp. Dust off your costumes and start cleaning out your car trunks as Trunk or Treat approaches on Friday, October 30 6:00pm. What a great way to reach out to our neighbors and fellowship with our JCPC church and playschool family! Let s show the community that JCPC is more than a Sunday Church.

9 TABLECLOTH DINNER Riccobono s Peppermill 3524 Severn Avenue Metairie, LA Thursday, September 10th 2015 SOCIAL 6:30PM DINNER 7:00PM MENU First Course Peppermill Dinner Salad Choice of Entrée 1. Shrimp Riccobono over Angel Hair Pasta 2. Veal Alexander Served with Brabant Potatoes 3. Grilled Amberjack Served with Almond Rice Dessert Warm Bread Pudding Served with Brandy Sauce Beverages Iced Tea and Coffee Price $32.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity) *Please make checks payable to Danny Cain

10 Mark your calendars for.family Fun Night Please join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and fun! John Calvin s Fellowship Hall Friday, September 19, :00 to 8:00 pm Food for this night will consist of: Adult Meal----Spaghetti & Meatballs, Green Beans, Salad, Bread, and Cake Kid Meal (ages 10 & under)---spaghetti & Meatballs, Green Beans, and Cake Lemonade and Iced Tea will be served with the meal as well. Tables will be set up for sit-down eating, but to-go orders will be available also. A game will be set up and a craft will be available for the kids to complete. Ticket Prices (note the price difference between pre-sale and night of event): Adult Meal- $7 if purchased pre-sale or $10 if purchased at door on night of event Kid Meal (10 & under)-$3 if purchased pre-sale or $5 if purchased at door on night of event PRE-SALE TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN THE PLAYSCHOOL OR CHURCH OFFICE BY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16! WOW-- a family of four (2 adults and 2 kids) can eat for $20 if pre-sale tickets are bought!! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

11 We are WILD about learning through PLAY at John Calvin Presbyterian Playschool. We are eagerly preparing for our students first day of school on Wednesday, September 9. We have a great group of kids and families this year which we are really excited about! Thank you in advance for your support of our fundraisers this year. Our first fundraiser will be Save Around Coupon Books, but this will only run for a week. Books are $20 and we are sure you will find coupons in there to make back more than your money spent on the book! Coupons are good through December of 2016 and these books make great presents for family members and friends! Family Fun Night will take place Friday, September 25 from 6-8 in Fellowship Hall. We are doing a superhero theme and tickets will be sold after worship in the coming weeks. Pre-sale tickets will be $7/ adults and $3/ kids and tickets the night of the dinner will be $10/ adults and $5/ kids. Mark your calendars for.family Fun Night Please join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and fun! John Calvin s Fellowship Hall Friday, September 25, :00 to 8:00 pm